Newly dubbed Vice Premier and Minister Without Portfolio Shaul Mofaz
(Kadima) is wasting no time in trying out Prime Minister Binyamin
Netanyahu´s chair.

Mofaz will serve as acting Prime Minister when Netanyahu flies to
Prague for a two-day visit next Thursday.

The coalition agreement that ushered Kadima into Netanyahu´s Likud-
run government stipulated that Mofaz fill the largely symbolic role
when the Prime Minister is abroad.

The title of vice premier is has no legal status, whereas the title
of vice prime minister - also symbolic - allows for succession
without elections should the prime minister be incapacitated.

For Mofaz the position of vice premier means a reduced protection
detail, a less prestigious car and a reduction in diplomatic
precedence. As opposition leader, visiting foreign leaders were
required to meet with him. As vice premier, they are not.

Mofaz explained his decision to enter the coalition as “a historic
opportunity to make meaningful steps for the good of the public," and
dismissed criticism saying “there are times when the leadership must
make decisions even if they seem unpopular.”

Kadima´s joining the government gives Netanyahu a 94-seat super-
coalition with a stated mission of replacing the Tal Law and
restructuring Israel´s electoral system and government in such a way
as to "provide stability."